Why we use Oryzanol

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The Basics

Gamma oryzanol, a potent phytosterol derived from rice bran oil, offers a multitude of benefits for skin health. Its unique composition—a blend of sterols and ferulic acid—grants it significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These attributes make gamma oryzanol a valuable ingredient in skincare formulations aimed at protecting and rejuvenating the skin.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Gamma oryzanol's antioxidant capacity allows it to effectively neutralise free radicals, thereby mitigating oxidative stress and preventing premature skin ageing. Its anti-inflammatory effects further contribute to skin health by reducing redness and irritation, promoting a calmer complexion.¹

Inhibition of Melanin Synthesis

One of the standout features of gamma oryzanol is its ability to inhibit melanin production. This multifunctional activity can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and promote a more even skin tone.

Oryzanol inhibits melanin synthesis in two ways:

inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity,² and
reducing the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF).² MITF controls the expression of various genes that are essential for melanin synthesis in melanocytes, so suppressing it results in a noticeably lightened skin tone.³

Enhancement of Skin Barrier Function

Gamma oryzanol has been shown to stimulate sebaceous glands, leading to improved skin hydration and barrier function. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or mature skin, as it helps maintain moisture levels and protects against environmental stressors.⁴

Sunscreen Booster

Also of note, gamma oryzanol exhibits UV-absorbing properties, particularly in the UVA spectrum with maximum absorption around 320 nanometers.⁵ This characteristic makes it a valuable addition to formulations aimed at enhancing photoprotection. However, while gamma oryzanol contributes to the skin's defense against UV radiation, it should not be considered a substitute for traditional sunscreens. Its UV-absorbing capacity is notable but insufficient to provide comprehensive protection against the full spectrum of UV radiation. Therefore, gamma oryzanol is best utilised as a complementary ingredient alongside conventional sunscreen agents to bolster overall skin protection.

references

1 Saenjum, Chalermpong & Chaiyasut, Chaiyavat & Chansakaow, Sunee & Suttajit, Maitree & Sirithunyalug, Busaban. (2012). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of gamma-oryzanol rich extracts from Thai purple rice bran. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 6. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of gamma-oryzanol rich extracts from Thai purple rice bran.
2 Jun H., Lee J., Cho B., Seo W., Kang H., Kim D., Cho K., and Lee. (2012), Dual Inhibition of γ-Oryzanol on Cellular Melanogenesis: Inhibition of Tyrosinase Activity and Reduction of Melanogenic Gene Expression by a Protein Kinase A-Dependent Mechanism. J. Nat. Prod. 75, 10, 1706-1711. doi:10.1021/np300250m Dual Inhibition of γ-Oryzanol on Cellular Melanogenesis: Inhibition of Tyrosinase Activity and Reduction of Melanogenic Gene Expression by a Protein Kinase A-Dependent Mechanism.
3 Wikipedia contributors. (2019, December 18). Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:02, January 23, 2020, from Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor.
4 Ueda, H., Hayakawa, R., Hoshino, S. and Kobayashi, M. (1976), The effect of topically applied gamma-Oryzanol on sebaceous glands The Journal of Dermatology, 3: 19-24. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.1976.tb00965.x The effect of topically applied gamma-Oryzanol on sebaceous glands
5 Bucci, Remo & Magrì, Andrea & Magrì, Antonio & Marini, Federico. (2003). Comparison of three spectrophotometric methods for the determination of γ-oryzanol in rice bran oil. Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry. 375. 1254-9. 10.1007/s00216-002-1700-5. Comparison of three spectrophotometric methods for the determination of γ-oryzanol in rice bran oil.